DRDO Work Experience For ML Internship

Hey fellow tech enthusiasts! I’m Kaivalya Kammella, a passionate third-year Computer Science student at Vignan’s Institute of Information Technology. I recently had the incredible opportunity to embark on a six-week Machine Learning (ML) internship at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) – Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) in the beautiful city of Visakhapatnam. Buckle up, as I take you through the highlights of this transformative experience!

Balancing Act: Interning Between Semesters

As a student navigating the challenging waters of academia, I was thrilled to secure an ML internship strategically timed just before my semester exams. Planning the six weeks meticulously, I ensured that my internship would conclude just two days before the impending storm of exams. One of the concerns on my mind was ensuring that my academic commitments remained unaffected. Thankfully, the folks at NSTL-DRDO were incredibly accommodating, allowing me to seamlessly integrate my internship into my schedule without compromising on my exams.

The NSTL-DRDO Chronicles: Offline, On-Site, skills and Beyond!

From 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday to friday , I found myself immersed in the intriguing world of ML, Deep Learning (DL), and Natural Language Processing (NLP). Being on-site was an experience in itself — a refreshing departure from virtual environments. The heart of my internship was the practical application of ML, DL, and NLP. Working on cutting-edge projects provided a hands-on experience that textbooks simply couldn’t replicate. This immersive learning approach not only sharpened my technical skills but also equipped me with insights into the real-world applications of artificial intelligence in defence technology.

Friendly Atmosphere and Down-to-Earth Scientists

One of the standout features of my internship was the warm and friendly atmosphere at NSTL-DRDO. The scientists, despite their towering intellect, were incredibly down-to-earth. Their approachability and willingness to share knowledge created an environment where questions were encouraged, ideas were welcomed, and learning was a two-way street.

A Valuable Addition to the Resume

Beyond the technical aspects, this internship added substantial weight to my resume. The exposure to practical challenges, collaboration with experts, and contributions to meaningful projects are valuable assets that will undoubtedly set me apart as I embark on my future career.

The Best On-Site Experience Yet

In retrospect, my six weeks at NSTL-DRDO stand out as my best on-site experience to date. The supportive community, the enriching projects, and the practical insights have left an indelible mark on my academic and professional journey.

This journey has not only honed my skills but has also fueled my passion for the vast and dynamic field of machine learning. As I return to my academic routine, I carry with me a wealth of experiences and knowledge that will undoubtedly shape my future endeavours.

Here’s to learning, growing, and embracing every opportunity that comes our way!